Data Specialist

Organization Overview:

The New Jersey Department of Education is building seven regional offices (RACs) that will lead the state's efforts to accelerate student learning and close the achievement gap. New Jersey's Regional Achievement Centers (RACs), struggling schools, and their districts will partner to set clear goals for student growth, put proven turnaround principles into action, and use data to drive decision-making and accountability. Working together, we will meet our shared goal of closing the achievement gap and preparing all of our students for success in college and career. Of particular importance to the Department is providing high-impact support to the state's lowest-performing schools, to ensure that all students will graduate college and career ready.

Position Overview:

The Data Specialist will play a critical role in leading each region's effort to improve and turn around low performing schools by providing training and support on the use of data to improve student achievement. He/she will work closely with RAC staff, school principals, instructional specialists, and district leaders in the effective presentation of school and classroom-level climate, culture, and achievement data. He/she will be responsible for ensuring the effective analysis and use of data to inform instructional and climate/culture improvements. The position will work collaboratively with principals to develop an effective schedule and system for increasing teacher capacity to analyze data for informing the continuous improvement of instruction. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a professional with strong management skills to use the knowledge and expertise they have gained in an effort to improve education in our state's lowest performing schools.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze and monitor regional student performance data to identify areas of need and the impact of interventions
• Work collaboratively with school level data specialists on the effective use of data to improve climate/culture and increase student achievement
• Present trend analysis and data findings to RAC staff, school principals, instructional specialists, and district leaders
• Assist the schools in obtaining pertinent data to track student achievement and generate staff-friendly reports for improving teaching and learning
• Provide professional development to school data specialists on how to guide teachers and administrators to productively analyze and use data for continuous improvement
• Implement a quality process for using data to inform improvement in instructional practice

Qualifications:

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university. Master's degree in education, public policy, or related field preferred.

Experience: Proven ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data; ability to understand data, develop insights, and apply learning's to the larger context; excellent communication skills; an understanding of educational policy and practice; experience in consensus building; ability to motivate and lead a diverse set of stakeholders toward a common goal.